Compare JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar

Reviews describe the two-step calibration as effective and room-aware, with one reviewer calling it essential and another saying it works well even in awkward rooms.

AirPlay 2 support is repeatedly listed and treated as a core wireless streaming option.

AirPlay support is frequently cited as a convenient way to stream music, with few complaints beyond general wireless variability.

The JBL One app is generally described as easy and intuitive, though one review hit a brief calibration glitch that cleared after reopening.

The SmartThings app is commonly described as the easiest way to manage modes, EQ, and channel trims; some reviews still call out UI/streaming quirks or missing conveniences like fully automatic calibration behavior.

Reviews consistently cite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and one video review also calls out LPCM support.

Supports a wide range of formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with common praise for how convincingly it renders immersive mixes.

An optical input is highlighted as a way to connect older TVs or older gear when eARC is not available.

Compatibility is good across TVs via HDMI eARC/ARC, and optical offers a fallback; region-specific streaming feature availability (like Chromecast) is the main compatibility caveat.

The detachable rears are typically quoted at about 10 to 12 hours per charge, but several reviewers note the need to remember recharging them.

Evidence is mixed; one review says iPhone Bluetooth streaming worked great, while another could not get phone pairing to cooperate.

Bluetooth playback is generally regarded as convenient and functional; fewer comments focus on stability, but reported experiences are mostly positive with quality depending on source.

One review specifically criticizes the subwoofer’s plastic cabinet because it can rattle under extreme bass load.

One setup review says the rear speakers were ready after a couple of hours of charging.

Chromecast is repeatedly listed as a supported casting option.

Chromecast support is inconsistent across sources and regions; some reviews list it as supported while others (notably in the US context) say it’s unavailable.

Several reviews praise the system for knitting front, rear, and overhead effects into a seamless or cohesive soundfield.

Cohesion between the bar, rears, and sub is often described as seamless, with smooth handoffs that keep effects anchored as they move around the room.

Physical buttons are basic but functional; at least one review prefers the clicky, non-touch controls for responsiveness and reliability.

Reviewers generally describe the styling as simple and understated rather than flashy.

Design is generally seen as premium and understated, though the bar’s large size and industrial/monolithic look can feel dated or imposing in smaller spaces.

Multiple reviews say the system feels solid and well made, with strong magnets and premium-feeling construction.

Reviews repeatedly mention hearing small ambient or incidental sounds that cheaper systems miss.

Detail retrieval is repeatedly praised for a soundbar system, with clear effects placement and good separation; a few reviewers still find ultra-premium modular systems extract slightly more microdetail.

Dialogue is usually described as clear and easy to follow, though a few reviewers heard occasional muffling or difficulty in some content.

Dialogue is consistently praised for clarity, helped by center-channel focus and voice-enhancement/AVA options that many found effective for TV and movies.

One review says dialogue loses some clarity when volume is pushed high, but this is framed as a mild limitation rather than constant distortion.

Generally stays clean at high levels, but a few sources note occasional crackle/static or the sub chuffing on extreme ultra-low bass passages.

Height effects are a major strength, with multiple reviews describing convincing overhead movement, though not every reviewer thought it led the class.

The system is repeatedly praised for moving cleanly from quiet detail to explosive peaks without losing control.

Dynamic swings in movies are a strong point, with punchy transients and convincing impact; the system generally keeps composure even in demanding scenes.

Reviews consistently call the EQ and sound controls limited, usually citing a simple three-band EQ and few presets.

EQ and channel-level controls are a highlight for tweakers (especially in the app), though a few reviewers want easier presets or broader access to adjustments without mode limitations.

Movie playback is often described as balanced and lively, but several music-focused reviews complain about tonal unevenness or lack of neutrality.

Balanced tuning is a recurring theme: weighty lows paired with clear mids/treble, though a few listeners found bass-heavy music can get a bit muddy without tweaks.

One review confirms 4K60 passthrough works for gaming, but it is not presented as a cutting-edge gaming solution.

Reviews cite Google Cast and or Google Assistant ecosystem support as part of the streaming and smart-home feature set.

Multiple reviews explicitly note the lack of 4K/120 passthrough and other next-gen gaming features.

HDMI 2.1 passthrough is the headline upgrade, enabling 4K/120Hz and gaming features for consoles/PCs; most sources call it a meaningful addition, with rare reports of port-specific issues.

ARC and especially eARC support are consistent selling points and the preferred path for full Atmos playback.

HDMI eARC/ARC is the recommended connection for best reliability and full-format support; it also enables convenient TV-remote control via CEC in most setups.

Reviews portray the system as a strong all-in-one home theater hub, helped by its switching ability, multiple HDMI inputs, and full surround package.

Integration in a home theater is a key strength, with convincing immersion and easy expansion-free setup; Samsung TV owners can gain extra front-stage width and tighter on-screen anchoring via Q-Symphony.

The detachable surrounds are described as securely attaching and staying linked reliably to the main bar in testing.

Wireless linking between the bar, surrounds, and sub is commonly reported as stable with few dropouts; isolated anecdotes mention occasional blips or unit-specific issues, but most experiences are robust.

One review notes roughly a one-second delay after unpausing, but the app also provides lip-sync correction.

Latency is generally well controlled (including reports of very low passthrough lag), though some setups can see more delay on certain formats over optical or wireless connections.

Reviewers consistently describe the system as very loud, room-filling, and capable of major output.

Loud output with ample headroom; most reviewers rarely needed to push volume high, and the system can fill large rooms without sounding strained.

One review specifically praises the ability to preserve quiet detail without constant volume adjustment.

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The detachable modules are described as reliably staying connected, and reviews also mention stereo-pair style use cases.

The multi-piece system usually pairs and stays linked reliably once powered, with most reviews reporting stable operation across the bar, rears, and sub.

The top-panel buttons are described as simple, easy to read, and straightforward for basic input and volume changes.

On-bar controls are simple but handy when a remote isn’t nearby; most interaction still happens through the app, especially for deeper tuning.

Reviews consistently mention an optical input as part of the connection set.

Optical input is available as a legacy fallback, but multiple sources note it limits advanced formats like Dolby Atmos compared with HDMI eARC.

Opinions are mixed; some reviewers like the remote and find it complete, while others complain about hidden functions or missing dedicated buttons.

The included remote is serviceable and handy for quick adjustments, but several reviews prefer the app, and some note missing shortcuts or that the small front display reduces remote usefulness.

Setup is usually described as easy and guided, especially through the app and calibration flow. Some reviewers still note a learning curve from the unusual detachable design or sparse printed instructions, even though the process is mostly manageable.

Setup is widely described as straightforward for a four-piece system, with the rears/sub often pairing quickly; optimal placement and app onboarding can add a bit of time.

Reviews report Alexa support, but typically via external smart speakers rather than a built-in assistant.

Smart assistant support (notably Alexa, plus Google/Bixby in some regions) is a key feature; voice control is generally useful, though some users prefer app/remote control for consistency.

App control, calibration, multiroom casting, detachable speaker modes, and other convenience features are repeatedly emphasized.

Smart features like Q-Symphony, wireless Atmos options, Private Rear Sound, and grouping modes add flexibility; several are Samsung-TV dependent or more niche in day-to-day use.

Height and spatial envelopment are often praised, but a few reviewers think the vertical projection falls short of the very best rivals.

Height effects are a standout for many, creating a dome-like presentation; results can vary with ceiling height, room treatments, and placement.

Spotify Connect or native Spotify control is repeatedly mentioned as available and functional, despite mixed treatment inside JBL’s own app.

Spotify Connect works for many, but at least one review flags frustrating volume-step behavior; overall reliability appears good with occasional app/control oddities.

The front LED or alphanumeric display is repeatedly praised for showing source, codec, volume, or battery-related information clearly.

The front status display is a frequent complaint: small, scroll-limited, and hard to read through the grille or from across a room.

Directional placement and imaging accuracy are frequently praised, especially in spatial movie content.

Imaging is strong for a soundbar system, with precise placement and improved width; some note it still can’t fully match the spatial organization of top modular/separates rigs.

The large subwoofer is widely praised for deep, forceful bass, but several reviewers also note that it can be imprecise, overbearing, or a little flappy at extremes.

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Even with stereo or non-Atmos material, reviews say the bar can create a convincing room-filling surround effect through DSP or upmixing.

Creates an enveloping surround field that’s widely described as class-leading for a soundbar package, especially with the included rears and upfiring drivers.

Reviews strongly approve of USB-C charging for the detachable speakers because it offers a more practical backup than redocking alone.

Reviewers generally think the package delivers strong value for a flagship setup, though some still see it as pricey.

Value is viewed as strong versus comparable full Atmos packages, especially with discounts; however, many note the prior Q990C can be a better deal if HDMI 2.1 isn’t needed.

Reviews confirm broad video passthrough support including 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, but not full HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

Video passthrough support is robust in reviews that mention it, including HDR formats and Dolby Vision passthrough, making the HDMI inputs more useful for source devices.

Voices and vocals are usually described as clear and natural, especially with better-quality content.

The bar and sub are described as sizable and hefty, which signals premium build but can be inconvenient for smaller rooms or lighter furniture.

One review says the bar connected to the home network without much fuss, supporting a generally positive view of Wi-Fi setup and streaming stability.

Wi-Fi streaming is broadly stable, and Samsung TV owners often praise wireless connection options; a few reports mention occasional blips or format-specific quirks, so HDMI eARC remains the most dependable path.

Multiple reviews highlight the generous wired input set, especially the extra HDMI ports. eARC is repeatedly presented as the best-sounding wired path for full Atmos playback, with optical treated as more limited.

Wired connectivity is strong for a modern soundbar system, with HDMI eARC plus additional HDMI inputs and optical; the main complaint is the lack of analog inputs for legacy sources.